Team news | Page 37

Justin Jefferson is not expected to play on Monday Night Football in Week 12 against the Bears because of his hamstring, per a team source. The Vikings are not going to push their best player to get back on the field despite the fact that they are in the playoff hunt. This all makes sense as it will give the receiver two more weeks of rest from game action, thanks to the Vikings being on their bye in Week 13.

Related Players: Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, T.J. Hockenson

Addison and Hockenson should continue to be started in all lineups. As for Jefferson managers, hopefully we can survive long enough to get him back in our fantasy playoff lineups.

Seahawks QB Geno Smith (elbow) is expected to start today vs. 49ers. Ken Walker (oblique) not expected to play.

Related Players: Drew Lock, Zach Charbonnet, DeeJay Dallas

In a difficult matchup, Smith is only in consideration in Superflex leagues, while Charbonnet should fill in as an RB2.

Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle, who was limited this week with an ankle injury, is expected to go, source said. He's emerged as a complementary back to Tony Pollard.

Dowdle has received more work as of late, including 10+ carries in three of his last four outings. Consider him a low-end FLEX play on Thanksgiving.

Ja'Marr Chase trots to practice while Tee Higgins is not dressed.

Related Players: Trenton Irwin, Tyler Boyd

Higgins is trending towards missing yet another game, and now the Bengals offense is looking pretty dire. Boyd gets a bump but not a huge one, as Jake Browning continues to guide the ship.

Ravens’ WR Rashod Bateman left practice early today with a foot injury, but HC John Harbaugh said Bateman “should be fine.”

Related Players: Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham, Nelson Agholor

Bateman has been a complete nonfactor in fantasy football, and a foot injury obviously isn't going to help anything. he has more than three targets in only two contests and his Week 11 touchdown was the first of his season.

Saints coach Dennis Allen told reporters that QB Derek Carr was a full participant in practice, a sign he's progressing through the NFL's concussion protocol.

Related Players: Jameis Winston

Winston is certainly far more fun to watch, but Carr is likely better for more of the Saints' fantasy pieces (i.e. Alvin Kamara). If Carr doesn't get cleared, Winston makes for a great QB streamer.

Rams officially designated RB Kyren Williams to return to practice today and he is expected to play Sunday vs. Arizona.

Related Players: Royce Freeman, Zach Evans

If Williams is active he should immediately return to taking over this backfield, as it has turned into a liability since his departure.

Mac Jones was asked if he’s starting: “Hope so. That’s the plan, I think.”

Related Players: Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham

You can feel the confidence exude out of the Patriots QB. No matter who gets the start, leave them on the waiver wire.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (MCL) likely to miss Thursday’s game; The Colts released former All-Pro LB Shaq Leonard; The Chargers are placing edge Joey Bosa on Injured Reserve.

Related Players: A.J. Dillon, Emmanuel Wilson

Dillon is the obvious beneficiary if Jones misses, but he has been woefully inefficient with his touches this season. Consider him a fringe RB2/RB3 on Thursday.

Geno Smith said he’s feeling “a little bit better” two days after suffering a triceps contusion, but he’s still in discomfort.

“I’ve had better days, but getting there.”

Related players: Drew Lock

Smith deferred to Pete Carroll on whether he’ll play Thursday and whether he’ll be rested until tomorrow. But, it sounds like Wednesday could be a big day as far as a better indication goes if Smith will be ready. Carroll originally had said the team felt good about Smith chances for Thursday night, but owners may have to wait until right before game time.